Flying-machine.



No. 756,021. PATENTBD JULY 26, 1904.

s. M. CRAIG.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 18, 1903.

HO MODEL, 5 SHEETS-SHEET l.

arto/:14mg

No.. 766,021. PATENTBD JULY 26, 1904,

s. M. CRAIG.'

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLIOATIUN FILED JUNE-18, 1903.

N0 MODEL. 5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

1 1 l EW M10 PATENTED JULY 26, 1904.

S. M. CRAIG. FLYING MACHINE.

APrLwATIoH FILED :mun 1a. 190s.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

N0 MODEL.

@9i humano @Hoang PATENTED JULY 26, 1904.

No. 766,021v

S. M. CRAIG.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 1a, 1903.

5 SHBETB*SHEET Il.

N0 MODEL.

Qvil'neaw:

PATENTED JULY 26, 1904.

S. M. CRAIG.

FLYING MACHINE. APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 1s, 1903.

5 SHEETS-.SHEET 5.

NO MODEL.

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I VIII. i

@Vi hmmm Patented July 26, 1904.

PATENT @FETCH STEPHEN MERRILL cRArG, or Moscow, IDAHO.

FLYING-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. I766,021, dated July26, 1904.

Application filed .Tune 18, 1903. Serial No. 162,129. (No model.) l

.To all whom t r11/ay concern.-

Be it known that l, STEPHEN MERRILLCRAIG, acitizen of the United States,residing at Moscow, in the county of Latah and State of Idaho, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Flying-Machines; and Ido declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description ofthe invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which itappertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to improvements in Hying-machines for aerialnavigation.

The object of the invention is to provide a machine of this characterwhich may be quickly raised to any desired height and propelled andsteered through the air at the will of the operator.

A further object is to provide a flying-machine which will becomparatively simple in construction, easily managed, the structure ofwhich be strong and durable, but light in weight, and which will be welladapted to the use for which it is designed.

Vith these and other objects in view the invention consists of certainnovel features of construction, combination, and arrangement of parts,as lwill be more fully described, and particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the complete machine. Fig. 2 is a topplan View of the same.- Fig. 3 is a side elevation, onan enlarged scale,of the car or platform. Fig. 4 1s a central vertical cross-sectionalview throughthe car on the line of the shaft of the side fans. Fig. 5 isan enlarged detail side view of the means for tilting' the sideelevating-fans.

of thesame on the line 66 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7

is an enlarged detail side view of means for longitudinally-disposedAbars or rods 2, .which Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view Fig. 9 is adetail plan view, partly are spaced apart and arranged parallel witheach other for a short distance at the center, and from said parallelportions they gradually converge toward their ends, at which points,they are connected together by cross-bars 3.

8 denotes upwardly-projecting bars ar`` ranged at the ends of theparallel portions of the rods or bars 2 and 4 and are adapted to connectthe same and to form the corners of f Cross-bars 9 and 10 connect theupper `and lower ends of the bars 8 at their point of 2. Cal'.

juncture with the bars 2 and 4, and diagonallyarranged cross-braces 12connect the opposite upper and lower corners of the sides of thecar-frame formed bythe bars 2, 4, andI 8.

A suitable flooring or platform 13 is formed on the lower side bars 4and cross-bars'lO, on .which is supported the engine 14 and drivingmechanism forthe machine. Below the platform 13 is arranged a centrallongitudinallydisposed power-shaft 15, suitably journaled in hangers,and on said shaft is fixed a spocketwheel 16,which is connected by asprocketchain 17 to a spocket-wheel on the driveshaft of the engine. Onthe outer end of the shaft 15 is fixed a sprocket-wheel 18, which isconnected by a `sprocket-chain 18 to a sprocket-wheel 19, looselymounted on the en'd of a horizontal longitudinally-disposed shaft 20,arranged in the front part of the frame l and suitably journaled inbearings carried by said frame. The outer end of the shaft 2O projectsbeyond the end of the frame and has mounted thereon apropeller 21, whichmay be of any suitable construction, the blades of which are suitablybraced to the shaft 20.

denotes a clutch member slidably mounted upon the inner end of the shaft2() to rotate therewith. The said clutch member is adapted to be movedinto engagement with a coacting clutch member formed on theloosely-mounted sprocket-wheel 19 by means of a forked shifting-lever22, suitably mounted in the frame of the car. To the upper end of thelever is connected one end of an operating-rod 23, the opposite end ofwhich is connected to an operating-lever 24, arranged at the oppositeend of the car.

denotes vertically-disposed shafts arranged near each end of the frame 1and suitably mounted and braced therein by bracerods 26. On the upperends of the shafts 25 are mounted bevel gear-pinions 27, which areadapted to mesh with bevel gear-wheels 28 and 29, arranged above thesame and mounted upon a shaft 30, which is supported above the pinions27 by means of braces 31, which are connected at their lower ends to thebracerods 26 and shafts 25.

32 denotes shaft swhich are practically extensions of the shafts 25, andon the lower ends of the shaft 32 are mounted bevel gearpinions 33,which are adapted to mesh with the gear-wheels 28 and 29 above thepinions 27. The lower ends of the shafts 32 above the pinions 33 aresupported in cross-bars 34, which are supported by inclined braces 35,pivotall y connected at their lower ends to the shafts between thegear-wheels 28 and 29. The shafts 32 are further supported and braced byinclined brace-bars 36, pivotally connected at their lower ends to theouter ends of the shafts 30 beyond the gear-wheels 28 and 29.

37 denotes segmental racks arranged below the pinions 27 and connectedby diverging brace-bars to the extension-shafts 32 and also connected bybraces to the shafts 30 between the wheels 28 and 29.

38 denotes a horizontal longitudinally-disposed shaft arranged above themachine and rotatably journaled in hangers 39, connected to a rod or bar40, which is arranged above the shaft 38 and connected at its ends tothe braces 31. On the ends of the shaft 38 are formed fixed worm-gears41, which are adapted to mesh with the segmental racks 37. On the shaft38, about midway the length of the same, is fixed a bevel gear-pinion42, which is adapted to mesh with a bevel-pinion 43, fixed to the upperend of a vertically-disposed shaft 44, which is suitably mounted onbracerods 45, which extend from the bar 4() to the top bar of the car.On the lower end of the shaft 44 is fixed a hand-wheel 46, which whenturned will rotate the shaft 44, which in turn will rotate the shaft 38and worm-gears 41,.

which being in mesh with the segmental racks 37 will turn the same,thereby tilting the extension-shafts 32, as will be understood.

47 denotes the upper elevating-fans carried by the extension-shafts 32.These fans may be of any suitable construction, but are preferablyformed with eight blades suitably arranged upon a central hub and bracedto the shaft 32.

On the lower end of the shafts 25 are fixed bevel gear-pinions 48, whichare adapted to mesh with similar gears 49, fixed on the ends of inclinedshafts 50, which are suitably mounted in bearings 51 on the lowerportions of the ends of the frame 1. On the inner ends of the shafts arefixed bevel-gears 52, which are adapted to mesh with the bevelgears 53,mounted on the ends of the shaft 15 and from whichl shaft motion istransferred to the shafts 25 to rotate the same and the fans 47, as willbe understood.

54 denotes brace-rods connected at their lower ends to the ends of theframe, the upper ends of the rods being connected to the upper ends ofshafts 25 and braces 26 to securely brace and hold the shafts 25 inposition.

55 denotes a transversely-arranged shaftl journaled in bearings 56 onthe platform of the car and supported near its outer ends in bearings57, which are supported by the upper and lower inclined brace bars orrods 58 and 59.

60 denotes a bevel-gear mounted upon the shaft 55 near the center of thesame, said gear being adapted to mesh with a similar bevelgear 61, fixedto the end of a short longitudinally-disposed shaft 62, journaled inbearings 63 on the car-platform. On the opposite end of the shaft 62 isfixed a spurgear 64, which is adapted to mesh with a similar gear 65,loosely mounted on the powershaft 15. A clutch member 66 is slidablymounted on the shaft 15 to rotate therewith, said clutch member beingadapted to be moved into engagement with a clutch member formed on thegear 65, whereby when said clutch members are engaged motion will betransferred from the power-shaft 15 to rotate the shaft 55. Aclutch-shifting lever 67 is pivoted in the platform and adapted to beoperated to shift said clutch. On the outer ends of the shaft 55 arefixed bevel gear-pinions 68.

69 denotes rings or bands having annularlygrooved outer surfaces 70 andprovided on their inner surfaces with annular series of gear-teeth 71.rl`he rings or bands 69 are arranged around the shaft 55 near the outerends of the same and are supported by means of annular collars 72,carried by the outer ends of the brace-rods 58 and 59. Fixed to theouter faces of the rings or bands 69 are horizontally-projecting arms73, arranged one above the other and connected at their outer ends byvertically-disposed bars or plates 74. In the outer ends of the arms 73are liournaled the upper ends of depending shaftsA 75, on

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which are mounted the lower or side elevating-fans 76. On theupper endsof the shafts are fixed bevel gear-pinions 77, which are adapted to meshwith the bevel gear-pinions 68 on the ends of the shaft 55, as shown,and

by means of which the fans 76 are rotated.

78 denotes a transversely-disposed rod or shaft arranged immediatelyabove the shaft 55 and in line with the same, the shaft 78 being'journaled in' extensions of the bearings 57. On the outer ends of theshaft 78 are fixed spur gear-pinions 79, which are adapted to mesh withthe internal annular series of teeth 71, formed on the ring 69, so thatwhen the shaft 78 and gear-pinions 79 are turned the pinions will rotatethe rings or bands 69, which will turn the arms 73, carrying thefanshafts 75, and tilt the same and the fans 76 to such angle as may bedesired.

80 denotes a worm-gear fixedly mounted upon the rod or shaft 78, and 81denotes a worm fixed on the lower end of a suitablymounted inclinedshaft 82, having at its opposite end a hand-wheel 83, whereby the shaft82 may be turned to rotate the shaft 78 and tilt said fans in the mannerjust described.

The fans 76 may be of any suitable con` struction, the blades of thesame .being suitably braced to the shafts 75.

84 denotes the rudder, the inner end of which is connected to the rearend of the frame 1 by a universal joint 85. To the inner end of therudder are connected the ends of laterally-projecting arms or levers 86and 87.

88 and 89 denote upper and lower projecting arms or levers alsoconnected to the'inner end of the rudder.

90 and 91 denote operating-levers pivoted above the platform of the carand carrying pawls which are adapted to operate in conjunction withsegmental racks 92. The lower ends of the`levers 90 and 91 are adaptedto project below the pivotal points of the same.

93 and 94 denote ropes which connect the rudder-arms 86 and 87 to thelever 90 at points above and below its pivotal connection,where by therocking of said lever will swing the rudder 84 laterally one side or theother.

95 and 96 denote ropes which connect the rudder-arms 88 and 89 to thelever 91 above and below the pivotal point of the same, wherebytherocking of this lever will swing the rudder up or, down above or belowthe horizontal plane of the same.

97 represents ropes or cables connected to the frame for supporting theframe and operating mechanismv from a gas field. (Not shown.)

In operation the upper and lower elevating-fans are first started toraise the machine to the desired height. The propeller is then throwninto gear and the elevating-fans tilted forwardly by the mechanismherein described, in which position they assist the propeller in thepropulsionof the machine, as well as keeping the same up. The course ofthe machine is determined and controlled by the rudder through theoperating-levers and ropes connectingwith the same. It will be notedthat all the controlling levers and wheels are arranged at one end ofthe car in convenient reach of the operator, so that every part of themachine is under the control and may be quickly thrown into or out ofgear or manipulated at the will-of the operator.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, the construction and operation of the inventionwill be readily understood without requiring a more extendedexplanation.

Various changes in the form, proportion, and the minor details ofconstruction may be resorted to without departing from the principle orsacrificing any of the advantages of this invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a machine of the character described, the combination with asupporting-frame of upper elevating-fans arranged above and at eachendof said frame and adapted to be tilted, means for operating said fans intheir upright and tilted positions, a horizontal trans-vversely-disposed shaft supported upon said frame, means for rotatingsaid. shaft, brace'- rods adapted to support the outer ends of saidshaft, lower elevating-fans arranged at the outer ends-of said shaft andadapted to be operated thereby, an eXteriorly-grooved ring or bandrotatably supported in the outer ends of said brace-rods, and having aninterior,annular series of gear-teeth,horizontallyprojectingsupporting-arms fixed to said ring or band the outer ends of which areadapted to support said lower fans, a transverselyarranged shaft havingon its ends spur gearpinions which are adapted to eng'age the annularseries of teeth in said rings or bands whereby upon rotation of saidshaft said rings or bands and the supporting-arms fixed thereto will beturned to tilt said lower fans, a propeller arranged at the forward endof said framework and a rudder arranged at-the rear end of the same, andmeans for operating the same, substantially as described. i'

2. In a machine of the character described, the combination with an openframework, having a centrally-arranged platform or car, of perpendicularshafts rotatably supported near each end of said framework, upperelevating-fans mounted upon short shafts and IOO IIO

arranged above said perpendicular shafts, a J

ried by said fan-shafts, a. horizontal longitudinally-disposed shaftsupported above said framework, wornrgears Carried at the ends of saidshaft and adapted to engage the teeth on said segmental racks, means forrotating' said shaft and worm-gears to actuate said rack and tilt saidfans, a transverse shaft rotatably supported upon said platform, lowerelevating-fans arranged at the ends of said shaft, and adapted to bedriven thereby, means whereby said lower fans maybe tilted, a propellerrotatablymounted at the forward end of said framework, means fordriving' said propeller, and steering` apparatus arranged at the rearend of said framework, substantially I5 as described.

ln testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

STEPHEN MERRILL CRAlG.

Titnessesz JOHN CRAiG, JOHN F. HOGUE.

